Sebastien Jean was born on March 17, 1980, in Thomassin, Haiti, and passed away in November 2020. "My work is inspired by crafts, particularly in the choice of medium, such as sawdust, coffee grounds, and sand," Jean explained. A self-taught painter and sculptor, Jean was encouraged by his mother to pursue his artistic interests from a young age. He began drawing and painting at the age of 13, initially using bamboo stalks as his canvas. In 2004, he transitioned from artisanal painting to the more experimental practice of painting on canvas. This shift allowed him to express his sensitivity and artistic vision more fully. Jean's work is influenced by the vibrant tradition of masks, costumes, and sets found in carnival celebrations, which fueled his love for fantasy. His creativity is driven by a powerful imagination, leading him to explore themes of an anthropomorphic bestiary. He portrays a haunting array of predatory monsters, birds of prey, and wandering phantoms, creating a spectral vision of a tormented world from which he draws maximum expressive power. Soon after beginning his artistic journey, Sébastien gained recognition on the international scene, exhibiting at notable venues such as Fondation Agnès b in Paris, the 54th Venice Biennale, and Global Caribbean III at the Cultural Center of Miami. His consecutive residencies in the City of Arts in Paris and Limoges helped solidify his artistic development. Jean’s sculptures are crafted from reclaimed materials, and he is known for painting large canvases using a unique technique that combines smoke black with color, resulting in a distinctive chiaroscuro effect. Throughout his career, Sébastien Jean participated in several exhibitions, including the Haiti-Africa residency organized by the French Institute in 2007-2008, with support from the artist Mario Benjamin, who curated the exhibition, and PIASA in Paris, France.
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